Control of glucose

• Normal blood glucose level: 80-90mg / 100ml
• Blood glucose levels rise from:

  • Absorption from the gut.
  • Conversion from glycogen, amino acids and glycerol.
• Blood glucose levels fall from:

  • Respiration
  • Glucose stored as glycogen and fat.
• Glucose homeostasis is controlled by the pancreas
• The pancreas is both an exocrine and endocrine gland.
• Clusters of pancreatic cells called the Islets of Langerhans produce 2 hormones from 2 different types of cells.

  • Alpha-cells: sensitive to low blood sugar and produce glucagon.
  • Beta-cells: sensitive to high blood sugar and produce insulin.
• Glucagon and Insulin are antagonists.